Kenneth Ray Hankins

Kenneth Ray Hankins, 70, passed from this life after a courageous battle with a terminal lung disease. A man of quiet strength, deep faith, and a gentle spirit, Kenneth faced the end of his earthly life with peace, knowing without doubt, where he was going and in whom he had placed his trust.

Kenneth was born on November 22, 1955, in Port Arthur, Texas, to Ruby Lee Hankins and Maxie Milton Hankins. He was the youngest of five Hankins brothers. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and continued his education at Lamar Institute of Technology, earning an associate degree in Data Entry. He also attended welding school and worked in construction during his early years. Kenneth later found a career serving the people of his hometown. He drove a shuttle bus for St. Mary’s Hospital before beginning his long career with Port Arthur Transit. For 23 years, countless people in the community knew Kenneth from behind the wheel of a city bus. He faithfully served until his retirement in 2021, after which he made his home in Beaumont, Texas. Those who knew Kenneth knew him as a kind, giving and humble man. He was reserved and quiet by nature, but he was also a deep thinker. He was organized, thoughtful and possessed an attention to detail. Behind his quiet demeanor was a man with much to say, and writing became one of the ways he shared his heart and his story. Kenneth was a published poet. But, his most cherished accomplishment was writing his own biography, an entire book chronicling the story of his life. He understood that every life has a story worth telling, and he took great care to preserve his own. More important to Kenneth than his accomplishments, was his relationship with Jesus Christ. Kenneth was a member of Grace River Chapel, under the Pastoral care of, Pastor Stephen Morgan. He loved to tell the story of how Jesus rescued and saved him. Conversations with him often turned to the Lord, and he spoke frequently and gratefully about God’s grace and mercy. His faith was not simply something he professed; it was the foundation upon which he lived his life. Kenneth was not afraid of his passing. He knew where he was going. That assurance brings comfort to those who love him.

Those left to cherish his memory include his oldest brother, Mack Hankins; nieces, Stacie LeBlanc and Jolana Richards; nephews, Bernard Hankins, Jr., Keith Hankins, and Daniel Davis; along with extended family, church family, & friends.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby Lee Hankins and Maxie Milton Hankins, and his brothers, Bernard Hankins, Sr., Joseph Hankins, and Stanley Hankins.

Kenneth’s was a quiet life, but it was a life with a powerful testimony. Through his poetry, his writing, his kindness, his service to others, and especially his unwavering faith, he leaves behind words and memories that will continue to speak long after his passing. His earthly story may have reached its final chapter, but for Kenneth, the greatest chapter has only just begun.

Services will be held at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home, located at 1605 Avenue H Nederland, TX. Visitation will be Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 4:00pm–6:00 p.m. with funeral service to follow at 6:00pm.